Hot cream dispenser

ABSTRACT

The specific disclosure provides a dispensing system including a heat exchange device for use in combination with aerosol containers having different creams therein. One type of aerosol container having a first cream, such as a cleansing cream, has a nozzle with an opening at the top thereof. Another type of container having a different cream, such as a moisturizing cream, has an opening formed in the side of the nozzle. The heat exchange device is positioned on either of the two types of nozzles, and an electrical heating unit applies heat to the top of the heat exchange device. The heat exchange device has a vertical center wall with a vertical cylindrical wall portion at the center thereof. An array of at least three concentric vertical walls are provided on each side of the center wall. Each array of concentric walls alternately has one end of the walls connected to and spaced from the center wall, and the other end of the walls spaced from and connected to the center wall to provide a channel in which cream flow changes direction to concentric flow paths at least twice as it flows outwardly from the cylindrical wall portion. One of the channels is formed for fluid communication with the nozzle having an opening at the top thereof, and the other of the channels is formed for fluid communication with the nozzle having an opening at the side thereof. The heat exchanger provides for dispensement of different heated creams by independent channels to avoid mixing of the products.

United States Patent [1 1 Ciaffone [451 Fen-5,1974

[73] Assignee: Warner Lambert Company, Morris Plains, NJ.

[22] Filed: Jan. 2, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 320,429

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 242,471, April 10,

1-972, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. 222/146 HA, 219/214, 219/302,

219/305 [51] Int. Cl B67d 5/62 [58] Field of Search222/146 HA; 219/214 X, 302 X, 219/303, 304, 305 X; 165/72, 73

[56] References Cited Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg Assistant Examiner-Larry Martin Attorney, Agent, 0r'Firm.lames F. Powers, Jr.; Albert H. Graddis [57] ABSTRACT The specific disclosure provides a dispensing system including a heat exchange device for use in combination with aerosol containers having different creams therein. One type of aerosol container having a first cream, such as a cleansing cream, has a nozzle with an opening at the top thereof. Another type of container having a different cream, such as a moisturizing cream, has an opening formed in the side of the nozzle. The heat exchange device is positioned on either of the two types of nozzles, and an electrical heating unit applies heat to the top of the heat exchange device. The heat exchange device has a vertical center wall with a vertical cylindrical wall portion at the center thereof. An array of at least three concentric vertical walls are provided on each side of the center wall. Each array of concentric walls alternately has one end of the walls connected to and spaced from the center wall, and the other end of the walls spaced from and connected to the center wall to provide a channel in which cream flow changes direction to concentric flow paths at least twice as it flows outwardly from the cylindrical wall portion. One of the channels is formed for fluid communication with the nozzle having an opening at the top thereof, and the other of the channels is fomied for fluid communication with the nozzle having an opening at the side thereof. The heat exchanger providesfor dispensement of different heated creams by independent channels to avoid mixing'of the products.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB sum SHEEHZUFZ 1 HOT CREAM DISPENSER This application is a continuation-in-part of U. S. Pat. application Ser. No. 242,47l, filed Apr. 10, 1972 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION- 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hot cream dispenser. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for selectively dispensing a plurality of heated creams through independent tortuous flow paths formed in a heat exchange device.

2. Description of the Prior Art Systems for heating and dispensing creams from aerosol containers are well known in the art. For example, U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,292,823 and 3,347,422 disclose systems wherein heat is generated by hot water, and U. S. Pat. No. 3,358,885 discloses a system having an electrical heater. In each of these systems, the aerosol product passes from an aerosol can nozzle into a heat exchanger having a tortuous path therethrough and to a spout. The aerosol product is heated in the exchanger as it expands andflowsthrough the tortuous path under pressure from the aerosol can. When the aerosol can valve is closed to stop'the flow of further cream, a quantity of cream remains in the heat exchanger and spout. This remaining cream is heated when the dispenser is again conditioned for use.

However, if the heating and dispensing system was used to dispense afirst cream, such as a cleansing cream, and it is then desired to use the system for dispensing a second type cream, such as a moisturizing cream, the initial cream dispensed from the spout will be the cleansing cream remaining in the heat exchanger. Thus, when changing to a moisturizing cream, it is necessary to heat and dispense'the cleansing cream from the heat exchanger and discard it prior to getting the desired moisturizing cream.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system for heating and dispensing a plurality of types of creams wherein each cream has a separate and distinct channel through a heat exchanger to thus avoid requiring that the heat exchanger be first cleared of priorly used cream before obtaining a different type cream.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improvement in a hot cream dispensing system comprising a first aerosol container having an upwardly opened valve stem with a first type of cream therein, a second aerosol container having a laterally opened valve stem with a second type of creamtherein, and a dispenser. The dispenser includes a heat exchanger and electrical means for applying heat to the heat exchanger. The improvement comprises the heat exchanger having a multi-channel member with a top wall, a cylindrical outer wall extending downwardly from the top wall, and a center wall extending downwardly from the top wall and transversely thereof to between two proximately formed ports in the outer wall. Arrays of at least two concentric arcuate walls are formed on each side of the center wall, and are alternately connected and separated from the center walls toprovide separate channels wherein cream flow changes direction at least twice in concentric arcuate flow paths while flowing outwardly to respective ones surface 26 is a contiguous extension of the inner 2 of the two ports. Enclosing means is positioned below the multi-channel member and in abutting relationship therewith. The enclosing means has two apertures therethrough, each one providing fluid communication with one of the channels and one of the valve stems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hot cream dispensing system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of a heat exchanger portion of the sytem taken along lines 2 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a receptacle for a multichannel member and a gasket of the heat exchanger;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the gasket; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the multi-channel member.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS With reference to the figures, a heat exchange device embodiment of the present invention comprises a multi-channel member 10, agasket 12, and a closure and clamp or receptacle member 14. The receptacle 14 has a cylindrical inner surface 16 extending upwardly from a horizontal inner base surface 18, and a spout portion 20 formed of a pair of side walls 22, 24 extending upwardly from a horizontal flat surface 26. The horizontal base surface 18.

The gasket 12 has a circular portion 28, and a spout portion 30 each shaped for a tight fit in the receptacle 14 along the inner base surface 18 and the horizontal spout surface 26.

The multi-channel member.l0 has a generally cylindrical body portion 32, and a spout 34. The spout 34 of the multi-channel member 10 has a pair of vertical outer walls 36, 38 which are dimensioned for a tight fit between the vertical spout walls 22, 24 of the receptacle l4, and the cylindrical body portion 32 of the multichannel member 10 is sized for a tight fit with the cylindrical inner surface 16 of the receptacle 14.

The heat exchange device is assembled by placing the gasket 12 in the receptacle 14, and then placingthe multi-channel member 10 on top of the gasket 12 in the receptacle 14. Thereafter, the heat exchange device is secured to an electrical heater and thermostatic device 44. Electrical heater and thermostatic devices are well known in the art. For example, U. S. Pat. No. 3,358,885 discloses an electrical heater and thermostatic device suitable for applying heat under controlled conditions to the heat exchange device of the present invention. Further, the heat exchange device of the present invention can be used in the dispensing system of U. 5. Pat. No. 3,358,885. U. S. Pat. No. 3,358,885 is incorporated herein by reference.

The heat exchange device of'the present invention is secured to the electrical heater and thermostatic device 44 by means of a pair of screws (not shown) extending upwardly through bores 40, 42 in the receptacle 14. Heat is applied by the heating and thermostatic device 44 to a flat top surface 46 of the cylindrical body por tion 32 of the multi-channel member 10.

The heat exchange device when secured to the heating and thermostatic device 44 is frictionally fitted to a nozzle 48 of an aerosol-type container 50. With reference to FIG. 2, the receptacle 14 has a downwardly protruding boss 52.'The boss 52 has an outwardly beveled opening 54 at the lower end thereof. The upper narrowmost portion of the bevel 54 leads to a boss bore portion 56 having a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol container nozzle 48 for a frictional fit therewith. Above the boss bore portion 56, the receptacle 14 has countersunk bores 58, 60, 62 of increasing diameters to provide concentric steps 64, 66, 68.

An O-ring 70 is positioned on the lowermost step 64 defined by the countersunk bore 58. An O-ring holddown member 72 is positioned in the lowermost counterbore 58 to secure the O-ring 70 therein, and has an outwardly extending radial flange 74 fitted in the step 66 defined by the second counterbore 60. The O-ring hold-down member 72 also has a counterbore 76 at the upper end thereof, and has a pair of slots 78, 80 formed in the upper surface of the radial flange 74.

A hot cream dispensing system embodying the heat exchange device of the present invention is typically provided with aerosol containers having different creams therein, for. example, moisturizing and cleans-' ing creams. Either the moisturizing or the cleansing cream aerosol container will have an upwardly directed nozzle opening 80 as shown in FIG. 1. The other of the moisturizing and cleansing cream aerosol containers will have a nozzle aperture 84 formed on the side of the nozzle as shown in FIG, 2 in phantom. When the container having the upwardly opened aperture 82 is positioned in the heat exchange device, the heating and thermostatic unit 44 is pushed downwardly by hand to depress the nozzle 48 to the position shown in FlG. 2.

The nozzle 48 actuates an aerosol valve mechanism within the neck portion 86 of the container 50in a well-' known manner to provide a pressurized flow of cream upwardly through the nozzle aperture 82 through a gasket center opening 88 into a first labyrinth 90 in the multi-channel member which provides a first tortuous channel path along which the cream is heated while flowing. The first channel 90 is defined by a portion of an outer shroud 92 and arcuate elements 94, 96 extending downwardly from the upper surface 46 of the multi-channel member.

The cream heated in the first channel 90 passes into a first spout channel 98 defined by a spout outer wall 100 and a spout center wall 102. The cream is exited from the dispenser through the first channel 98 in the spout.

When it is desired to heat different type cream than that heated in the first channel 90, an aerosol container having the nozzle side aperture 84 is positioned in the receptacle 14, and the heat and thermostatic device 44 is pushed down by hand pressure to compress the nozzle 48 to the position shown in FIG. 2. The cream exits the nozzle through the side aperture 84 into an annulus 104 (FIG. 3) defined by the counterbore vertical surface 76 (FIG. 2). The cream passes from the annulus 104 through the slots 78, 80 into another annulus 106 defined by the step surface 68 and the vertical surface of the counterbore 62. The cream passes from the annulus 106 upwardly through an elongated aperture'108 formed in the gasket 12 through a second labyrinth 110 in the multi-channel member 10. The second labyrinth 110 provides a tortuous channel path defined by a portion of the shroud 92 and arcuate members 112, 114 extending downwardly from the upper surface 46 of the multi-channel member 10. The cream is again heated while flowing in the' second channel 110 and is dispensed from the dispenser through a second spout channel 116 defined by the other of the spout outer walls 118 and the inner spout wall 102.

The multi-channel member 10 should have a substantial thermal capacity and good heat transfer characteristics. The member 10 can be suitably composed of aluminum such that heat applied to the top 46 of the multi-channel member 10 is transferred downwardly by the outer shroud 92 and the arcuate members 94, 96, 112, 114 to heat creams flowing through either one of the channels 90, 110.

It is apparent that the spout portion 34 can be formed integrally with the cylindrical body portion 32 as described hereinabove or can be formed separately from the cylindrical body portion 32. In the latter instance, the spout portion 34 can be alternatively composed of a'relatively inexpensive material such as plastic and secured to the cylindrical body portion 32 to provide spout flow paths 98, 116 as described hereinabove.

The gasket 12 and the receptacle 14 can be suitably composed of silicone and polysulphane, respectively, to provide structure which has poor heat absorption capacity and poor heat transfer capacity to prevent dissipation of heat downwardly and outwardly from the heating channels 90, 110 of the multi-channel member The channels 90, 110 each preferably consist of at least three concentric arcuate flow paths to cause the cream to change direction at least twice. This structure provides a relatively long channel path to provide adequate'time to heat the cream to a predetermined temperature and avoid wide fluctuations in temperature.

It should be noted that a relatively short channel path would require a relatively higher heater temperature to obtain a predetermined temperature because of the short time that the cream is in the heat exchanger. Further, a relatively high heater temperature may cause a high unwanted degree of decomposition of the cream remaining in the heat exchanger when the system is again prepared for use.

In a preferred embodiment, the multi-channel member 10 is formed of die cast aluminum. The height of the member can suitably be 0.22 inch with the channels 90, 110 having a height of about 0.07 to about 008 inches. The shroud 92, the arcuate elements 94, 96, 112, 114, and the channels 90, 110 can each have a width of 0.62 inch. The center wall between the channels 90, 110 suitably can be 0.094 inch with the cylindrical center portion thereof having a radius of 0.232 inch.

Alternatively, the spout 34 of the multi-channel member 10 can be replaced by a pair of tubes, preferably made of aluminum, positioned in the shroud 92. Each one of the channels 90, 110 can have a vertically extending bore to fluidly interconnect the respective channel or with a respective one of the tubes.

Further, the aperture 108 alternatively can be below the center wall between the channels 90, 110 with the channel 110 extending by a-slot into the center wall.

stem and a first type of cream therein, a second aerosol container having a laterally opened valve stem anda second type of cream therein, and a dispenser including a heat exchanger and electrical means for applying heat to said heat exchanger, the improvement comprising said heat exchanger including:

a multi-channel member having a top wall, an outer wall extending downwardly from said top wall, first and second proximate ports formed in said outer wall, a center wall extending downwardly from said top wall and transversely of said multi-channel member from between said first and second ports, said center wall having a vertical cylindrical wall portion centrally located in said multi-channel member, said cylindrical wall portion having slot means for passageof said first cream to one sideof said center wall, a first array of at least two spaced concentric arcuate walls extending downwardly from said top wall on one side-of said center wall and spaced from said outer wall, said first array being in fluid communication with said slot means and said first port, and a second array of at least two spaced concentric arcuate walls extending downwardly from said top wall on another side of said center wall and spaced from said outer wall, said second array being in fluid communication with said second port, each one of said first and second arrays having said arcuate walls alternately connected to and spaced from said center wall at one end thereof andhavirig said arcuate walls alternately spaced from and connected to said center wall at the other end thereof to provide a channel wherein cream flow changes direction at least twice in concentric arcuate flow paths while flowing outwardly from said cylindrical wall portion to one of said first and second ports, and

means for enclosing said multi-channel member and abutting the lower surfaces of said outer wall, said center wall and, said first and second arrays; said enclosing means having a centrally located first aperture for fluid communication with said slot means and said first aerosol container, and a second aperture for fluid communication with the second array channel at said cylindrical wall portion and said second aerosol container.-

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a receptacle for said multi-channel member comprising an upwardly facing base surface, a cylindrical inner wall surface extending upwardly from said base surface for seating said enclosing means on said base surface and said multi-channel member on said enclosing means; said receptacle further comprising an opening for said first and second ports, a centrally located vertical bore for fluidly interconnecting said first aperture and said upwardly opened valve stem, and a lateral passageway for fluidly interconnecting said second aperture and said laterally opened valve stem,

whereby said upwardly opened valve stem seals said lateral passageway when positioned in said vertical bore and said laterally opened valve stem prevents fluid flow to said first aperture when positioned in said vertical bore.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said lateral passageway is formed by a countersunk bore at the upper end of said vertical bore, an annulus formed concentrically of said counter-sunk bore in said base surface, and at least one slot interconnecting said countersunk bore and said annulus, whereby said second type of cream flows from said laterally opened valve stem, through said countersunk bore, said at least one slot and said annulus to said second'aperture.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said multi-channel member is formed of material having substantial thermal capacity and good heat transfer properties.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said enclosing means and said receptacle are formed of material having a low thermal capacity and poor heat'transfer properties.

6. In a hot cream dispensing system comprising a first aerosol container having an upwardly opened valve stem and a first type of cream therein, a second aerosol container having a laterally opened valve stem and a second type of cream therein, and a dispenser including a heat exchanger and electrical means for applying heat to said heat exchanger, the improvement comprising said heat exchanger including:

a multi-channel member having a flat circular top wall, a cylindrical outer wall extending downwardly from said top wall, first and second proximate ports formedin said outer wall, a center wall extending downwardly from said top wall and transversely of said multi-channel member from between said first and second ports, said center wall having a vertical cylindrical wall portion centrally located in said multi-channel member, said cylindrical wall portion having slot means for passage of said first cream to one side of said center wall, a first array of at least two spaced concentric arcuate walls extending downwardly from said top wall on one side of said center wall and spaced from said outer wall,

said first array being in fluid communication with said slot means and said first port, and a second array of at least two spaced concentric arcuate walls extending downwardly from said top wall on another side of said center wall and spaced from said outer wall, said second array being in fluid communication with said second port, each one of said first and second arrays having said arcuate walls alternately connected to and spaced from said center wall at one end thereof and having said arcuate walls alternately spaced from and connected to said center wall at the other end thereof to provide a channel wherein cream flow changes direction at least twice in concentric arcuate flow paths while flowing outwardly from said cylindrical wall portion to one of said first and second ports,

a gasket positioned below said multi-channel member and abutting the lower surfaces of said outer wall, said center wall and said first and second arrays, said gasket having a centrally located first aperture in fluid communication with said slot means and an off-center second aperture in fluid communication with the second array channel at said cylindrical wall portion, and

a receptacle for said multi-channel member comprising an upwardly facing base surface, a cylindrical inner wall surface extending upwardly from said base surface for seating said gasket on said base surface and said multi-channel member on said gasket, said receptacle having an opening for said first and second ports, a centrally located vertical bore for fluidly interconnecting said first aperture and said upwardly opened valve stem, and a lateral passageway for fluidly interconnecting said second aperture and said laterally opened valve stem, whereby said upwardly opened valve stem seals said lateral passageway when positioned in said vertical bore and said laterally opened valve stem prevents fluid flow to said first aperture when positioned in said vertical bore.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said lateral passageway is formed by a countersunk bore at the upper end of said vertical bore, an annulus formed concentrically of said counter-sunk bore in said base surface, and at capacity and poor heat transfer properties. 

1. In a hot cream dispensing system comprising a first aerosol container having an upwardly opened valve stem and a first type of cream therein, a second aerosol container having a laterally opened valve stem and a second type of cream therein, and a dispenser including a heat exchanger and electrical means for applying heat to said heat exchanger, the improvement comprising said heat exchanger including: a multi-channel member having a top wall, an outer wall extending downwardly from said top wall, first and second proximate ports formed in said outer wall, a center wall extending downwardly from said top wall and transversely of said multi-channel member from between said first and second ports, said center wall having a vertical cylindrical wall portion centrally located in said multi-channel member, said cylindrical wall portion having slot means for passage of said first cream to one side of said center wall, a first array of at least two spaced concentric arcuate walls extending downwardly from said top wall on one side of said center wall and spaced from said outer wall, said first array being in fluid communication with said slot means and said first port, and a second array of at least two spaced concentric arcuate walls extending downwardly from said top wall on another side of said center wall and spaced from said outer wall, said second array being in fluid communication with said second port, each one of said first and second arrays having said arcuate walls alternately connected to and spaced from said center wall at one end thereof and having said arcuate walls alternately spaced from and connected to said center wall at the other end thereof to provide a channel wherein cream flow changes direction at least twice in concentric arcuate flow paths while flowing outwardly from said cylindrical wall portion to one of said first and second ports, and means for enclosing said multi-channel member and abutting the lower surfaces of said outer wall, said center wall and said first and second arrays; said enclosing means having a centrally located first aperture for fluid communication with said slot means and said first aerosol container, and a second aperture for fluid communication with the second array channel at said cylindrical wall portion and said second aerosol container.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a receptacle for said multi-channel member comprising an upwardly facing base surface, a cylindrical inner wall surface extending upwardly from said base surface for seating said enclosing means on said base surface and said multi-channel member on said enclosing means; said receptacle further comprising an opening for said first and second ports, a centrally located vertical bore for fluidly interconnecting said first aperture and said upwardly opened valve stem, and a lateral passageway for fluidly interconnecting said second aperture and said laterally opened valve stem, whereby said upwardly opened valve stem seals said lateral passageway when positioned in said vertical bore and said laterally opened valve stem prevents fluid flow to said first aperture when positioned in said vertical bore.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said lateral passageway is formed by a countersunk bore at the upper end of said vertical bore, an annulus formed concentrically of said counter-sunk bore in said base surface, and at least one slot interconnecting said countersunk bore and said annulus, whereby said second type of cream flows from said laterally opened valve stem, through said countersunk bore, said at least one slot and said annulus to said second aperture.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said multi-channel member is formed of material having substantial thermal capacity and good heat transfer properties.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein said enclosing means and said receptacle are formed of material having a low thermal capacity and poor heat transfer properties.
 6. In a hot cream dispensing system comprising a first aerosol container having an upwardly opened valve stem and a first type of cream therein, a second aerosol container having a laterally opened valve stem and a second type of cream therein, and a dispenser including a heat exchanger and electrical means for applying heat to said heat exchanger, the improvement comprising said heat exchanger including: a multi-channel member having a flat circular top wall, a cylindrical outer wall extending downwardly from said top wall, first and second proximate ports formed in said outer wall, a center wall extending downwardly from said top wall and transversely of said multi-channel member from between said first and second ports, said center wall Having a vertical cylindrical wall portion centrally located in said multi-channel member, said cylindrical wall portion having slot means for passage of said first cream to one side of said center wall, a first array of at least two spaced concentric arcuate walls extending downwardly from said top wall on one side of said center wall and spaced from said outer wall, said first array being in fluid communication with said slot means and said first port, and a second array of at least two spaced concentric arcuate walls extending downwardly from said top wall on another side of said center wall and spaced from said outer wall, said second array being in fluid communication with said second port, each one of said first and second arrays having said arcuate walls alternately connected to and spaced from said center wall at one end thereof and having said arcuate walls alternately spaced from and connected to said center wall at the other end thereof to provide a channel wherein cream flow changes direction at least twice in concentric arcuate flow paths while flowing outwardly from said cylindrical wall portion to one of said first and second ports, a gasket positioned below said multi-channel member and abutting the lower surfaces of said outer wall, said center wall and said first and second arrays, said gasket having a centrally located first aperture in fluid communication with said slot means and an off-center second aperture in fluid communication with the second array channel at said cylindrical wall portion, and a receptacle for said multi-channel member comprising an upwardly facing base surface, a cylindrical inner wall surface extending upwardly from said base surface for seating said gasket on said base surface and said multi-channel member on said gasket, said receptacle having an opening for said first and second ports, a centrally located vertical bore for fluidly interconnecting said first aperture and said upwardly opened valve stem, and a lateral passageway for fluidly interconnecting said second aperture and said laterally opened valve stem, whereby said upwardly opened valve stem seals said lateral passageway when positioned in said vertical bore and said laterally opened valve stem prevents fluid flow to said first aperture when positioned in said vertical bore.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said lateral passageway is formed by a countersunk bore at the upper end of said vertical bore, an annulus formed concentrically of said counter-sunk bore in said base surface, and at least one slot interconnecting said countersunk bore and said annulus, whereby said second type of cream flows from said laterally opened valve stem, through said countersunk bore, said at least one slot and said annulus to said second aperture.
 8. The system of claim 6 wherein said multi-channel member is formed of material having substantial thermal capacity and good heat transfer properties.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein said gasket and said receptacle are formed of material having a low thermal capacity and poor heat transfer properties. 